Market Segment:
Compact/Subcompact car, known for affordability and sporty variants.
Key Competitors:
Honda Civic, Toyota Corolla, Ford Escort, Chevrolet Cavalier.
Vehicle Philosophy:
Designed as an affordable, practical, and often sporty compact car, offering good value for money.
Manual Advantage:
Empowers DIY mechanics with dealership-level information for cost-effective repairs and maintenance.
Models Covered:
All 1997 Chrysler/Dodge Neon models (ACR, ES, LE, RT, SE, Sport)
Estimated Page Count:
Varies by original publication, typically 1000+ pages for a complete factory service manual.
Manual Type:
Factory Service Manual / Repair Manual
Engine Mechanical:
Engine assembly, disassembly, overhaul, cylinder head, block, crankshaft, pistons, connecting rods, lubrication system, cooling system.
Engine Performance:
Fuel injection system, ignition system, emissions control, engine diagnostics, tune-up procedures.
Transmission:
Manual transmission (A520, A525), Automatic transmission (30/43LE), clutch, driveline, axles, CV joints.
Brakes:
Front disc brakes, rear drum brakes, ABS (if equipped), hydraulic system, parking brake.
Steering:
Power steering system, steering column, steering gear/rack and pinion.
Suspension:
Front suspension (MacPherson struts), rear suspension (multi-link), shock absorbers, springs, control arms.
Electrical:
Battery, charging system, starting system, lighting, instrumentation, power accessories, body electrical components.
HVAC:
Heating, ventilation, and air conditioning system operation and repair.
Body:
Body construction, exterior panels, doors, hood, trunk, glass, interior trim, bumpers.
Chassis:
Frame and underbody structure.
Preventive Maintenance:
Oil changes, fluid checks and changes, filter replacements, inspections, lubrication.
Troubleshooting:
Diagnostic charts for common problems, symptom-based troubleshooting.
Repair Procedures:
Step-by-step instructions for component removal, installation, and repair.
Overhaul Rebuild:
Detailed procedures for engine and transmission overhaul.
Wiring Schematics:
Complete electrical wiring diagrams for all vehicle systems.
Technical Data Tables:
Specifications for torque values, clearances, tolerances, fluid capacities, and more.
Depth Of Coverage:
Comprehensive: Covers basic maintenance to advanced engine and transmission rebuilds.
Engine Code Base:
420A (2.0L SOHC)
Engine Type Base:
Inline 4-cylinder, SOHC, 16-valve
Displacement Base:
1996 cc (122 cubic inches)
Bore X Stroke Base:
87.0 mm x 83.0 mm (3.43 in x 3.27 in)
Compression Ratio Base:
9.8:1
Horsepower Base:
116 hp @ 5200 rpm
Torque Base:
124 lb-ft @ 3700 rpm
Engine Code Acr:
DOHC (optional on ACR model)
Engine Type Acr:
Inline 4-cylinder, DOHC, 16-valve
Horsepower Acr:
140 hp @ 6000 rpm (DOHC)
Torque Acr:
130 lb-ft @ 4800 rpm (DOHC)
Fuel Delivery:
Multi-point fuel injection (MPI)
Fuel Type:
Unleaded gasoline, 87 octane (minimum)
Standard Transmission:
5-speed Manual (A520/A525)
Optional Transmission:
4-speed Automatic (30/43LE)
Clutch Type:
Dry single plate (manual transmission)
Transmission Fluid Manual:
API GL-4, SAE 75W-90 Synthetic Gear Oil (typically)
Transmission Fluid Automatic:
Chrysler ATF+3 (or equivalent)
Oil Change Interval:
Every 7,500 miles or 6 months, whichever comes first (under normal driving conditions).
Engine Coolant Change:
Every 60,000 miles or 5 years, whichever comes first.
Transmission Fluid Change Auto:
Every 60,000 miles or 5 years (normal service).
Spark Plug Replacement:
Every 100,000 miles (if original type is platinum/iridium).
Engine Oil Type:
SAE 5W-30 (API SG or higher)
Engine Coolant:
Chrysler Formula for Long Life (or equivalent HOAT coolant)
Power Steering Fluid:
ATF+3 (or equivalent power steering fluid)
Common Wear Items:
CV joints, wheel bearings, clutch wear (manual), rear main seal leaks, exhaust system components.
Engine Issues:
Timing belt inspection/replacement is critical for the 420A engine; failure can cause catastrophic engine damage. Some reports of oil leaks from valve cover gasket.
Transmission Issues:
Automatic transmission shift quality can degrade over time; manual transmission clutch wear is normal with use.
Manufacturer History:
Chrysler Corporation (and its Dodge division) has a long history of producing a wide range of vehicles, from compact cars to trucks and vans.
Neon First Generation:
The Dodge Neon (PG) was introduced for the 1995 model year as a replacement for the Dodge Shadow/Plymouth Sundance. It was part of Chrysler's global vehicle platform strategy.
1997 Updates:
The 1997 model year saw minor updates, including some feature shuffling and potential minor aesthetic tweaks, but it remained largely the same as the preceding years of the first generation.
Manufacturing Locations:
Belvidere, Illinois, USA
